From The Jam

I'd been to the Clapham Grand before, many years ago, probably 20. The Bible headlined with Ezio and Booga supporting, two of the best live bands I've ever seen, but tonight it was From The Jam.

We got there late, as usual, all the pizza places were full (an Italian, I love my pizza, next time I will book), but after a lovely pasta we entered and were shuffled immediately upstairs as the place was rammed. After checking every floor we found our spot. A lovely venue, no doubt, but please sort out your speakers. Luckily, the overweight, balding male audience new every line which covered the technological imbalance.

All Mod Cons was always my favourite Jam album, and this was the album that was played in full. Its 35th anniversary saw Russell Hastings in his usual Weller role delivering line by line, hit by hit, a vocal machine gun massacring the welcome faithful. It was no surprise that his vocals almost surpassed the master himself, what was surprising was the audience, a sprawling mass of plastic pint drinking Jam karaoke lovers (myself included), the sound of sweet, sweet, respect and enjoyment.

There's no point in going into song detail here, if you're reading this and you haven't got said album then you have not reached musical nirvana. If you have then you know it gets better every listen, even 35 years on. To say 'classic' almost betrays it's belligerent youthful exuberance which still shines on. And then they played every other fire cracker you could ask for.

Bruce Foxton still has his original moves and great backing vocals. I was asked recently why didn't Bruce just go for the vocals in this outfit? It was a simple reply, he done everything as perfect as it could possibly have been. Even Rick Buckler's absence (a massive talent) was not felt, so praise to Mark Brzezicki who also delivered a faultless set on drums.

All in all I can only describe the night as a return to youth. I'm sure that's why everyone else was here too and why From The Jam will march on and on, and long may they last!